Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-01-13
BISMARCK's SPEECH AND POSSIBLE
WAR

tag may be either an expression of the de-
sire of Germany to provoke conflict with
France, threat to her to cease military
activity, or mere political movement to
strengthen the governmental party in the
Empire. 1t is more than likely that the
latter was the chief purpose. The nations
of earth are not so prone to battle as we
in republic are apt to believe Oftener
than otherwise, financial speculations are
the motors beneath the rumors of war.
Over and again the story has come that
war was imminent in Europe, and that
Germany and France must be precipitated
angrily into each others arms. But, de-
spite all these "flurrys." sixteen years
have elapsed without any such outcome.
What has France to fight for? Why
should she provoke contention with Ger
many? Certainly not with any hope of
firmer founding republican institutions
certainly not with any expectation of re-
gaining lost provinces. What grievance
has she against Germany that fortifes her
with possible hope of success in war? On
the other hand, Germany has nothing to
fear from France, and, unless she contem-
plates conquest, nothing to gain by aggres-
sion.
Nevertheless, when all this is said, it
must be added that such are the unstable
foundations of European peace that there
some liability of war. Such official
delivery as that of Bismarck's would be
taken by any nation ready and able to re-
sent insult as the invitation for a blow.
But there is party of caution in France
a party of the people, that knows the con-
test would be hopeless, and realizes that it
would result in assault from within as well
as without. Imperialists Monarchists,
and Socialists in the republic would aid its
disruption and prove the convenient allies
Of the Germans. These know that in over
throw of the republic alone resides any
hope for their ascendancy. This party of
safety is represented by the President and
Cabinet and a majority of the Deputies,
and all its wisdom will be exerted to pre-
vent conflict with Germany, in any form
of which France must suffer.
If we are to look upon the declarations
OF the Chancellor of the German empire as
indicative of a desire for war, then it is
almost as good as declared already. Con-
sidering it in such light twas a showing
of teeth viewed as political master
stroke for local purposes, it excites pro-
foundest admiration. We may not say
that Bismarck was unduly excited by the
nine glasses of cold brandy and water he
drank on the contrary, the stimulant
probably only brought his physical vigor
by the whip and spur of brandy up to a
level with the condition of his mentality.
Yet it was dramatic incident, teStifying
to the intensity of the scene, even if only
acted. But it is possible, as our selfish
gain and concern for the disposal of our
bread and meat StuffS would incline us to
believe, that the brandy and water that
went down Bismarck's throat, and the
words that came bounding back, consti-
tute threats that mean the shaking Of the
continent of Europe to its center with the
thunders of war. On the face of the words
Germany, by the mouth OF this statesman.
and by the excitement visible in his phys
ical frame while uttering the Imperial de-
cree, did tell the world that France is
looked upon already as occupying a threat
ening attitude; that Austria has been put
uuder the German thumb, and that with
Russia perfect understanding has been
had that, therefore, there is a clear field
for untrammeled action by Germany to
utterly cow France, and put an end to her
present ambition to regain Alsace- Lor-
raine. ave shall not consider France as
wholly at peace with us" he exclaims,
until she affirmatively renounces all
claim to Alsace-Lorrainc. have firm conf
dence in the peaceful disposition Of
the French Government, and por-
ton of the French people; still
the past teaches us that we
cannot count upon peace with France as
permanent A less unmistakable expires
sion it would scarcely be possible for the
Chancellor to formulate, and not give i'm
mediate provocation to the republic to re-
turn blow. TIE man of iron will spare
no words in telling the Reichstag that il
must vote the funds for military reinforce
ment, or suffer dissolution. We will en-
ter into no further negotiations with you,
he cried; ave will address ourselves to
others who will give us the answer" de-
sired, that is, the affirmation Of the policy
of the Imperial Cabinet to arm Germany
at every point, in order that peace may SIT
upon the guns of war; or, if we prefer that
tbaorv that tba RepIrb,ic of France may